The Edmonton Police Service is releasing a composite sketch to help identify a suspect in an alleged attempted kidnapping that occurred on Jan. 17.

On Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 at approximately 8 a.m., a 13-year-old female got off of a bus in the area of 165 Street and 87 Avenue when she was reportedly followed by an unknown male passenger from the same bus. While attempting to cross the street in the area of 163 Street and 83 Avenue she was then reportedly grabbed by the male from behind. The youth was able to break free from the male, who then allegedly fled the area on foot.

Suspect in reported attempted kidnapping

The suspect is described as an Indigenous male, with missing upper teeth and a birthmark or tattoo on his left cheek. He is believed to be in his 40s and was last seen wearing a dark-coloured, puffy, winter coat, grey sweatpants and a black balaclava with an oval opening.

Investigators believe this is an isolated incident. No similar occurrences have been reported to date.

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.